Corn-sheller.



J. W. MORRISON CORN SHELLBR. APPLIOATION FILED 111111.19, 1913.

Patented May 12, 1914.

/NVENZo/e 4M f 4 f Allarmi),

Wim/5555s W,

CDLUMBIA FLANDGRAPH co.. WASMI NO'TQNY D. c

JAMES W. MGRRISON, 0F BUFFALO, NEW YORK.

orrion. y

CORN-SHELLER.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Hay 12, 1914.

Application filed March 19, 1913. Serial No. 755,527.

To all whom 'it may concern Be it known that I, JAMns W. Morrison, a citizen of the United States, residing at Buffalo, in the county of Erie and State of New York, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Corn-Shellers, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to improvements in corn-shelling devices.

The prime object thereof is to provide a novel and improved grain discharge element, such as will eliminate forced circulation of dust and other foreign materials within the apparatus; in conjunction with mechanism for effectually aetuatingthe adjustment of the sheller member.

Serious deficiencies have heretofore existed in conjunction with devices of this nature, ordinarily resultant from the use of grain discharge elements which create a continuous forced circulation of air within the device, consequently discharging dust, dirt, and other foreign materials into the atmosphere. This proves very injurious to the operator, who of course inhales the air in the vicinity of the machine, and at the same time greatly impedes rotation of the sheller element. In order to obviate such air blasts within the apparatus, I have designed an improved discharge element eliminating as far as practical, air engaging surfaces at an acute angle to the plane of rotation thereof, thereby allowing the sheller element to attain a greater speed and at the same time eliminate forced circulation of foreign materials.

In conjunction with the above, I have also provided mechanism for facilitating the adjustment of the sheller element, in order to facilitate the shelling of corn ears of different sizes, thereby obviously assuring the efficient operation of the device.

Vith the above and other objects in view, my invention relates to such details of construction and in the arrangement and combination of parts as will be hereinafter more fully set forth and specifically pointed out in the appended claims.

In describing my invention in detail,`reference will be had to the accompanying drawings, wherein like characters denote like or corresponding parts throughout the several views, and in which Figure 1 is a horizontal sectional view of my invention; Fig. 2 is a sectional view, taken on the line 2--2 of Fig. 1, in the direction indicated by the arrow; F ig. 3 is a fragmentary view of a portion of the discharge element, illust-rating certain bearing mechanism and means for adjusting the sheller element independently thereof; and Fig. l is a view similar to Fig. 3, lillustrating the frictional engagement between the jjieriphery of the shellcr element and the inner periphery of the discharge member.

Referring now more particularly to the accompanying drawings, wherein is illustrated the preferred form of my invention, the numeral 10 designates a supporting structure of the usual type, the same consisting of transverse and longitudinal elements connected at their adjacent extremities by any suitable means. Any other form of supporting structure may be used in connection with my invention if it is so desired.

In connection with the supporting structure mentioned, I have shown the usual sheller casing 11, which generally includes a fan easing and discharge port 12 and 13, respectively. A multiplicity of spaced-apart projections 14 are arranged about the inner periphery of the sheller casing in the manner shown in order to provide opposite roughened surfaces for facilitating the removal of corn from the cob during the travel of the latter within the device.

The sheller casing and the parts directly connected thereto are preferably formed of metal, in view of its great rigidity, which is absolutely essential in connection with dcvices of this nature. However, certain other materials may be used, such as fall within the scope covered by the present device.

Oppositely disposed bearings 15 and 16, respectively are arranged upon the supporting structure 10, the said bearings having a shaft 17 journaled therethrough in order to provide a revoluble supporting structure for other elements embodied in the present device. The bearing 16 mentioned is provided with an enlarged head portion 18 having an orifice 19 therein for accommodating a bearing element, as illustrated in Fig. 3. That portion of the shaft 17 extending through the head portion is provided with a longitudinal key-way 20, such as will serve to allow longitudinal adjustment thereof when desired, irrespective of cern tain structures carried revolubly therewith.

The discharge element proper embodying my invention consists of a disk element 21 having a hub 22 provided centrally thereof, through which is journaled the shaft 17, a key portion 23 on the hub engaging in the way 20, as illustrated. This arrangement enables the shaft 17 to transmit rotary movement to the disk, yet allowing longitudinal movement thereof when desired. The disk is further provided at its periphery with an angularly-extending flange portion 24 serving to support spacedapart elements 25 for facilitating the discharge of grain from the mouth portion 13 of the casing. In view of the fact that the disk 21 is a solid element, it Will be recognized that air-resisting surfaces, such as now occur', have been eliminated, consequently obviating the creating of a forced circulation of air within the apparatus. A sheller element 26 is carried fast on the shaft 17 within the casing, the same having spaced-apart projections 27 arranged about its periphery in order to provide a co-acting surface in conjunction with that provided on the inner periphery of the casing element. The rear end of the sheller element is slightly smaller in diameter than the disk 22, in order that it may be accommodated wit-hin the flange 24, packing material 28 being employed to establish frictional engagement therebetween, and prezvent passage of air between the periphery of the sheller element and the inner periphery of the flange. Particular stress is laid upon the disposition of the discharge and sheller elements, in View of the fact that the forced circulation of air is eliminated, and at the saine time increasing the durability of the apparatus.

In order to more eiiiciently support the sheller element, a disk 29 is provided therein carryingwa hub portion 30 for engagement with the shaft 17, as illustrated. As the sheller element is fast on the shaft, the adjustment of the latter longitudinally will increase or decrease the space between the roughened engaging surfaces on the periphery of the sheller element and inner periphery of the casing, consequently allowing for operation in conjunction with corn ears of diiferent sizes.

In connection with the above, I have provided means for effecting adjustment of the sheller element independently of the discharge member. In providing such means, a boxing 31 is arranged exteriorly of the supporting apparatus, the same receiving a screw-threaded plug 32, which has fixed engagement with the shaft 17, as illustrated at 33. In order to effect the rotation of the plug element, a hand wheel 311 is employed consequently effecting the Vadjustment withv the sheller member 2G. However, this adjustment is independent of the discharge element. It has also been found advantageous to provide means yfor allowing rotary movement of the discharge element, yet

preventing longitudinal or lateral movement thereof. In providing such means, the hub element 22 is yprovided with an annular groove 85, into which projects a tongue 36 carried within the vorifice 19 in the bearing 16. The' tongue being rigid within the orifice allows the rotation of the discharge element, yet positively preventing longitudinal movement thereof, and holds the same ina correct position during the adjustment ofV the remaining structure.

The advantages resultant from the use of my invention will be readily comprehended by those who are conversant with the crude and unsatisfactory devices heretofore provided in this art.

Such changes as are permissible by the subjoined claims may be resorted to without departing from the spirit of my invention.

Having thus fully described my invention, what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is

1. A corn sheller including a shaft, a fan mounted on said shaft, a sheller slidably mounted upon said shaft, said fan embracing said sheller and a packing interposed between said fan and said sheller.

2. A corn sheller including a shaft, a fan mounted on said shaft, said shaft being longitudinally movable with respect to said fan, a sheller having a portion thereof embraced within the periphery of said fan and slidably mounted upon said shaft, and means including a screw threaded operating plug for adjusting the longitudinal movement of said shaft.

3. A corn sheller including a fan, a sheller embraced by said fan and means for varying the overhanging relation between said fan and said shell-er with respect to the longitudinal axis, packing means for closing the space between said sheller and said fan irrespective of the adjustment of the latter.

In testimony whereof I my signature in presence of two witnesses.

JAMES W. MORRISON.

Witnesses ALEXANDER J. MAcKnNzIn, GHAs. S. MORRISON.

the Commissioner of Patents,

Washington, D. C. 

